HCR 184: requesting the legislative reference bureau, in consultation with the department of business, economic development, and tourism; department of human services; and university of hawaii economic research organization, to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a guaranteed universal basic income program for working families in hawaii.

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

requesting the legislative reference bureau, in consultation with the department of business, economic development, and tourism; department of human services; and university of hawaii economic research organization, to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a guaranteed universal basic income program for working families in hawaii.

     WHEREAS, Hawaii consistently ranks among the most expensive states in the nation, with high costs associated with housing, food, childcare, transportation, and other basic necessities; and

     WHEREAS, many working families in Hawaii continue to experience financial insecurity despite maintaining employment, as wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living; and

     WHEREAS, many residents work multiple jobs or extended hours yet still struggle to afford basic necessities, reflecting the widening gap between wages and the cost of living in Hawaii; and

     WHEREAS, in 2017, the Legislature adopted House Concurrent Resolution No. 89, which established the Basic Economic Security Working Group (Working Group) to examine policies that could provide greater economic security for residents, including universal basic income concepts; and

     WHEREAS, the Working Group was tasked with studying the potential impacts of automation on jobs, reviewing the State's social safety net, and evaluating strategies that could strengthen economic security for Hawaii residents; and

     WHEREAS, although the Working Group helped elevate discussion of universal basic income and economic security policies, this did not result in the implementation of a statewide pilot program or a comprehensive feasibility study; and

     WHEREAS, since that time, guaranteed income pilot programs implemented in several cities across the United States have demonstrated potential benefits, including improved financial stability, reduced stress, and increased ability for families to meet essential needs; and

     WHEREAS, Hawaii's unique economic conditions, including its high cost of living and geographic isolation, make it important to continue exploring innovative solutions that support economic security for working families; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the Senate concurring, that the Legislative Reference Bureau, in consultation with the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Human Services; and University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, is requested to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a guaranteed universal basic income program for working families in Hawaii; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislative Reference Bureau is requested to include the following in the feasibility study:

     (1)  Potential program structures and eligibility criteria for working families;

     (2)  Estimated program costs and possible funding sources;

     (3)  Potential impacts on poverty reduction, economic stability, and workforce participation;

     (4)  Lessons learned from guaranteed income pilot programs implemented in other states and municipalities; and

     (5)  The feasibility of implementing a pilot program in Hawaii to evaluate the effectiveness of guaranteed income; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislative Reference Bureau is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Director of the Legislative Reference Bureau; Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Director of Human Services; and Executive Director of the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization.

Report Title: 

Universal Basic Income; Feasibility Study; Legislative Reference Bureau